35 | The Backbone of the Hospital – Why Med-Surg Nurses Are the Ultimate Generalists

38 | Neuroscience Nursing – More Than Medicine with Patty Anthony

Neuroscience nursing is often associated with critical care, brain injuries, strokes, and complex medical procedures. But as Patty Anthony explains in this episode, the specialty is about much more. Patty has spent more than 30 years at JFK University Medical Center's Neuroscience Institute, caring for patients with brain tumors, strokes, neurological disorders, and spinal cord injuries. During that time, she has witnessed remarkable advances in neuroscience care while never losing sight of what matters most – the human connection between nurses, patients, and families. In this conversation, Patty shares how a student nurse inspired her to pursue nursing, how a neurosurgeon sparked her passion for neuroscience, and why some patient stories have stayed with her for decades. She also reflects on building neuroscience programs in a community hospital, founding a brain tumor support group, mentoring future nurses, and the importance of listening, compassion, and advocacy. Whether you're a nursing student exploring specialties, an experienced nurse, or simply interested in the impact nurses have on people's lives, this episode offers a powerful reminder that great nursing is about far more than clinical skills. Key Takeaways * What neuroscience nursing actually involves and why it spans the entire continuum of care * How neurological illnesses affect both patients and their families * The role of neuroscience nurses in acute care, rehabilitation, and outpatient settings * Why compassion and listening are just as important as clinical expertise * The importance of mentorship in building a nursing career * How neuroscience care has evolved over the past three decades * The impact of support groups for patients living with brain tumors * Why lifelong learning is essential in neuroscience nursing * Patty's advice for nurses considering a career in neuroscience * The patient stories that shaped Patty's approach to nursing Relevant Links * New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org [https://www.njccn.org/] * Hackensack Meridian Health: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org [https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/] * JFK University Medical Center Neuroscience Institute: https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/jfk-university-medical-center [https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/en/locations/jfk-university-medical-center] * American Association of Neuroscience Nursing: https://aann.org/ [https://aann.org/]

37 | Why Every Nurse Should Join a Professional Organization

Is joining a professional nursing organization really worth the dues – or is it just another expense? In this episode of the Nursing Insights Podcast, we explore what nurses gain when they step beyond their day-to-day roles and become part of something bigger. Guests Dan Misa and Sara Humeny share their personal journeys into professional organizations – and how those decisions shaped their careers in ways they never expected. From leadership development and networking to advocacy and career-changing opportunities, this conversation reveals how involvement can open doors, expand perspectives, and even reignite passion for nursing. If you’ve ever wondered whether joining an organization is “worth it,” this episode might just change your mind.   Key Takeaways * Professional nursing organizations advocate for nurses at local, state, and national levels * You often get out of membership what you put into it – involvement is key * Leadership skills and career opportunities often grow from active participation * Networking can connect you with mentors, collaborators, and lifelong colleagues * Conferences and events can reignite passion and provide fresh perspectives * Membership can directly influence patient care through education and evidence-based practice * Even one organization can make a meaningful difference in your career   Relevant Links * New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org [https://www.njccn.org/] * The State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission: https://www.nj.gov/csc/ [https://www.nj.gov/csc/] * New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators: https://www.njaphna.org [https://www.njaphna.org/] * Visiting Nurse Association Health Group: https://vnahg.org [https://vnahg.org/] * Visiting Physician Services: https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-services [https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-services] * Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey: https://www.vnannj.org [https://www.vnannj.org/]

36 | Public Health Nursing – Care Beyond the Hospital Walls

Public health nurses are often the invisible backbone of community care – meeting patients where they are, breaking down barriers, and preventing serious health issues before they escalate. In this episode, we speak with Jan Stralkus and Loletha Johnson about what public health nursing really looks like on the ground. From home visits in rural South Jersey to statewide cancer programs, they share powerful stories about access to care, patient trust, and the life-changing impact of education and connection. We also explore the challenges public health nurses face, the importance of partnerships, and why this field is more critical than ever as healthcare increasingly moves into the home.   Key Takeaways * Public health nursing happens outside traditional clinical settings – in homes, communities, and local environments * Access to care remains one of the biggest challenges, especially in rural areas * Building trust and relationships with patients can lead to life-saving outcomes * Education and navigation support are just as important as clinical skills * Strong partnerships across sectors are essential to improving population health * Public health nursing offers diverse and growing career opportunities   Relevant Links * New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org [https://www.njccn.org/] * The State of New Jersey, Civil Service Commission: https://www.nj.gov/csc/ [https://www.nj.gov/csc/] * New Jersey Association of Public Health Nurse Administrators: https://www.njaphna.org [https://www.njaphna.org/] * Visiting Nurse Association Health Group: https://vnahg.org [https://vnahg.org/] * Visiting Physician Services: https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-services [https://vnahg.org/visiting-physicians-services] * Visiting Nurse Association of Northern New Jersey: https://www.vnannj.org [https://www.vnannj.org/]

35 | The Backbone of the Hospital – Why Med-Surg Nurses Are the Ultimate Generalists

Medical-surgical nursing is often called the backbone of the hospital – but it’s also one of the most misunderstood specialties in healthcare. In this episode of Nursing Insights, Susan and Daria speak with experienced Med-Surg nurses Brooke Roth and Luz Parris about what it really takes to thrive in one of the most demanding areas of nursing. From managing multiple high-acuity patients at once to making split-second decisions about who needs help first, Med-Surg nurses operate in an environment where prioritization, teamwork, and adaptability are essential. Luz shares a powerful story from the COVID era when she was responsible for ten patients in a single shift – including several critically ill patients and multiple emergencies happening at the same time. Brooke explains why strong clinical judgment and constant awareness are critical when caring for patients whose conditions can change quickly. They also discuss the realities of night shifts, including the so-called “bewitching hour” when unexpected events often happen between 3 and 4 AM – and why the idea that hospitals sleep at night couldn’t be further from the truth. If you’ve ever wondered what makes Med-Surg nurses such versatile and resilient professionals, this conversation offers an honest look at the skill, pressure, and dedication behind the specialty.   Key Takeaways * Medical-surgical nurses care for a wide variety of patients and conditions, making them some of the most versatile clinicians in healthcare. * Strong prioritization skills are essential because patient conditions can change rapidly, and multiple needs often compete for attention. * Teamwork between nurses, physicians, and support staff is critical to managing complex and unpredictable situations.  * Hospitals are rarely quiet at night – many nurses say the most intense moments often happen in the early morning hours. * Experience in Med-Surg nursing builds a strong clinical foundation that supports many other nursing specialties.   Relevant Links * New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org [https://www.njccn.org/] * Academy of Medical-Surgical Nurses: https://www.amsn.org [https://www.amsn.org/]

34 | When the Healer Is Wounded – A Nurse’s Story from the California Wildfires

Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions of trauma, disaster, displacement, survivor’s guilt, and medical distress, including descriptions related to wildfire evacuation, loss, and a medical emergency involving a child. Some listeners may find these topics emotionally difficult. Please listen with care and take a pause if needed. _________________________________  What happens when the trauma expert becomes the trauma survivor? In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Nursing Insights, psychotherapist and psychiatric mental health clinical nurse specialist Donna Gaffney shares her experience living through the January 7, 2025 California wildfires in Pacific Palisades. For decades, Donna has supported children, families, nurses, and communities through some of the most devastating crises in recent history – from 9/11 to Hurricane Katrina to COVID-19. But this time was different. This time, she was in the middle of it. Donna takes us through the moment she realized she had to evacuate, the shock of displacement, the heavy weight of survivor’s guilt, and the emotional toll of returning to a neighborhood reduced to ash. She introduces the concept of “shared traumatic reality” – when healthcare providers are living through the very same disaster as the people they serve. Key Takeaways * Trauma feels different when you are inside it, not observing it. * “Shared traumatic reality” occurs when healthcare providers and patients experience the same crisis. * Survivor’s guilt can surface even when you did not lose everything. * Healthcare professionals are not immune to destabilization during disasters. * Being called “strong” is not always helpful – vulnerability matters. * Community, storytelling, and meaning-making are essential for healing. * Self-compassion is not optional – it is necessary. * Recovery is not a return to what was, but a movement forward.   Relevant Links * New Jersey Collaborating Center for Nursing (NJCCN): https://www.njccn.org [https://www.njccn.org/] * Kristin Neff – Self-Compassion Research: https://self-compassion.org [https://self-compassion.org/] * Vivek Murthy – “My Parting Prescription for America”: https://fcsinterventions.com/resources/my-parting-prescription-for-america/ [https://fcsinterventions.com/resources/my-parting-prescription-for-america/] * Suleika Jaouad: https://suleikajaouad.com [https://suleikajaouad.com/] * Murthy, V. H. (2022). Confronting health worker burnout and well-being. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/health-worker-wellbeing-advisory.pdf [https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/health-worker-wellbeing-advisory.pdf]and https://www.vivekmurthy.com/partingprescription [https://www.vivekmurthy.com/partingprescription] * NJ-NEW https://njnew.org/programs/virtual-schwartz-rounds/ [https://njnew.org/programs/virtual-schwartz-rounds/] * Meaningful Work Matters Podcast https://open.spotify.com/show/7FCvG2GBgVA66PhCks0g4r [https://open.spotify.com/show/7FCvG2GBgVA66PhCks0g4r] * Don’t Clock Out https://www.dontclockout.org/ [https://www.dontclockout.org/] * Introspective Spaces  https://www.introspectivespaces.com/ [https://www.introspectivespaces.com/] * The Relentless School Nurse https://relentlessschoolnurse.com/ [https://relentlessschoolnurse.com/] * Courageous Well-Being for Nurses: Strategies for Renewal https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12847/courageous-well-being-nurses [https://www.press.jhu.edu/books/title/12847/courageous-well-being-nurses]